The American University in Cairo was founded in 1919 by Americans devoted to education and service in the Middle East. For its first 27 years the university was shaped by its founding president, Dr. Charles A. Watson. He wanted to create an English-language university based on high standards of conduct and scholarship and to contribute to intellectual growth, discipline, and character of the future leaders of Egypt and the region. He also believed that such a university would greatly improve America's understanding of the area.

The Department of Arabic Studies offers undergraduate degree programs in four fields. Two of them are bachelor's degrees in Arabic studies and are described below: one with a specialization in Arabic language and literature, the other in Islamic art and architecture. The bachelor's degrees in Middle Eastern history and Middle East studies are listed separately in this catalog.

1. Bachelor of Art - Undergraduate

The bachelor of arts in majors listed above is part of a comprehensive, humanities-oriented program which stresses creative and analytical thinking. A total of 120 credits is required for the bachelor's degree in Arabic studies.

The Students follow one of the two following plans of study:

1. Specialization in Arabic Language and Literature
2. Specialization in Islamic Art and Architecture
 

2. Master of Arts - Graduate

To be eligible for the master of arts degree in Arabic Studies the student must reach an acceptable level of proficiency in advanced literary Arabic as established by examinations. The student whose degree concentration is Arabic language and literature is expected to go beyond this minimum requirement. The student whose degree concentration is Islamic Art & Architecture is expected to attain the equivalence of ALNG 201 by test. To be eligible for the degree of master of arts in Arabic studies, the student must also demonstrate through examination a reading knowledge of at least one major language other than English, preferably French or German. If the student's research can be performed successfully without knowledge of a third language, the department may exempt the student from this requirement.

The student may choose one of the following areas of specialization:

1. Arabic Language and Literature
2. Islamic Art and Architecture
3. Middle Eastern History